Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at Institute of Public Health

Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
University of Copenhagen

The Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, invites applications for a two-year position as Assistant Professor in Epidemiology, commencing on 1 February 2026.

We seek a candidate with a background in both epidemiology and humanbiology or medicine. The successful applicant will hold a PhD in epidemiology, documented experience in statistical analysis, and has lead several scientific collaborations and manuscript drafts. Experience in epidemiological research related to women’s health, biomarkers, and ageing is considered a strong asset, as is participation in interdisciplinary collaborations, nationally and internationally.

As the position includes direct interaction with study participants and preparation of reports in Danish, proficiency in the Danish language is required. Further, applicants should have teaching experience and a strong motivation to teach epidemiology and basic research methodology to medical and nursing students.

Responsibilities
The Assistant Professor will be part of the BIO-EPI research group, consisting of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers working with both biological and quantitative data. The position includes active participation in group leadership, including coordinating group meetings and journal clubs, and providing support in the preparation of grant applications for larger research projects. Managing large questionnaire-based studies, and contributing to both Danish-language reports and English-language scientific publications is expected.

The successful candidate is expected to contribute to the development of their own research portfolio. Support and collaboration will be available for research funding applications and project initiation. Opportunities for pedagogical training and participation in the assistant professor network at the Department of Public Health will also be offered.

Profile
Six overall criteria apply for assistant professor appointments at the University of Copenhagen. The six criteria (research, teaching, societal impact, organisational contribution, external funding, and leadership) are considered a framework for the overall assessment of candidates. Find information about each criterion here: https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/criteria-for-recognising-merit.

Furthermore, we are looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic scientist with the following skills and experience:

Essential experience and skills:

• You have a PhD in Epidemiology
• You are highly experienced in biomarker research in cardiometabolic disease and/or dementia
• You have an active interest in teaching epidemiology at master’s level in Danish
• You have pre- and postgraduate teaching experience within humanbiology or medicine
• Proficient communication skills and ability to work in teams
• Fluent in Danish
• Excellent English skills written and spoken

Desirable experience and skills:

• Experience/knowledge in R or SAS programming
• Knowledge of proteomics in blood samples
• Knowledge of digital cognitive testing

Place of employment
The place of employment is at the Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen. We offer creative and stimulating working conditions in dynamic and international research environment.

Terms of employment
The average weekly working hours are 37 hours per week.

The position is a fixed-term position limited to a period of 2 years. The start date is Februrary 1st, 2026.

Salary, pension and other conditions of employment are set in accordance with the Agreement between the Ministry of Finance and AC (Danish Confederation of Professional Associations) or other relevant organisation. Currently, the monthly salary starts at 41,300 DKK/approx. 5,290 EUR (November 2025 level). Depending on qualifications, a supplement may be negotiated. The employer will pay an additional 18,07 % to your pension fund.

Foreign and Danish applicants may be eligible for tax reductions if they hold a PhD degree and have not lived in Denmark the last 10 years.

The position is covered by the Job Structure for Academic Staff at Universities 2025.

Questions
For further information please contact Majken K. Jensen (maje@sund.ku.dk); www.sund.ku.dk

Foreign applicants may find this link useful: www.ism.ku.dk (International Staff Mobility).

Application procedure
Your application must be submitted in English by clicking ‘Apply now’ below. Furthermore, your application must include the following documents/attachments – all in PDF format:

1. Motivated letter of application (Max. one page)
2. CV incl. education, work/research experience, language skills and other skills relevant for the position
3. A certified/signed copy of a) PhD certificate and b) Master of Science certificate. If the PhD is not completed, a written statement from the supervisor will do
4. List of publications
5. Teaching portfolio (If applicable)

Deadline for applications: December 8th, 2026. 23.59pm CET

We reserve the right not to consider material received after the deadline, and not to consider applications that do not live up to the abovementioned requirements.

The further process
After the expiry of the deadline for applications, the authorized recruitment manager selects applicants for assessment on the advice of the hiring committee. All applicants are then immediately notified whether their application has been passed for assessment by an unbiased assessor. Once the assessment work has been completed each applicant has the opportunity to comment on the part of the assessment that relates to the applicant him/herself.

You can read about the recruitment process at https://employment.ku.dk/faculty/recruitment-process/

The applicant will be assessed according to the Ministerial Order no. 242 of 13 March 2012 on the Appointment of Academic Staff at Universities.

Interviews are expected to be held in week 51.

The University of Copenhagen wish to reflect the diversity of society and encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of personal background.